CAN 2015 Qualifiers: Egypt Prepare for Do-or-Die Clash Against Senegal
The penultimate round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers kicks off this weekend, with Group G taking center stage as Egypt hosts Senegal in a high-stakes showdown in Cairo.
For the Pharaohs, the scenario is clear: victory is a must. Anything less than three points against the Lions of Teranga would all but eliminate Egypt from contention. Coach Shawki Gharib and his players know what’s at stake.
“This match is very important for us. Either we win and stay in the race, or we lose and lose everything,” said midfielder Amr Al-Soulaya, encapsulating the all-or-nothing mood in the Egyptian camp.
With Tunisia leading the group and needing only a point to qualify, the race for the second qualifying spot is between Egypt and Senegal. The West Africans currently hold a one-point advantage, meaning a draw would preserve their edge heading into the final matchday, where they’ll host bottom-placed Botswana. Egypt, meanwhile, will travel to Tunis to face Tunisia — a far more daunting task.
Egyptian coach Shawki Gharib is planning an aggressive approach but remains wary of Senegal’s strengths:
“We will play on a purely offensive tone, but without forgetting the defense, especially since the Senegalese Lions are distinguished by their quick counterattacks. Our mission will not be easy this Saturday, but we have no choice but to win, and we are all determined to achieve our goal.”
Senegal, on the other hand, will look to capitalize on their current form and attacking firepower, led by players like Diafra Sakho, Sadio Mané, and Mame Biram Diouf. Their speed and strength on the break will be key as they aim to silence the Cairo crowd and return home with a ticket to Equatorial Guinea in hand.
The Cairo Stadium is set for a tense, electric evening — with one of African football’s giants potentially facing another painful miss from continental competition, having already failed to qualify for the last two AFCONs (2012 and 2013).
Kick-off is set for Saturday, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
